Find Your Adventure

May 14, 2010

No More "Youngest" World Records in Sailing -- Is There Such a Thing "Too Young" in Adventure?

It is expected that Australian Jessica Watson, 16, will complete her successful solo, non-stop, unsupported circumnavigation of the globe on Saturday. Over the past year, we have seen a dizzying number of teens attempt to bump each other out of the record for youngest solo, non-stop, unsupported circumnavigation. And though Watson will technically be the youngest person to pull off this feat, some suggest that her route was not long enough to make if officially qualify. Regardless, the title of "youngest" in sailing has become moot: The World
Sailing Speed Record Council and other record-keeping organizations
stopped recognizing "youngest" pursuits recently because they've become
so controversial.

We have to admit we are a little bit relieved by this decision. Even though their feats are remarkable, the prospect of even younger and younger kids taking to the open ocean, alone, made us very nervous. (Laura Dekker, 13, was prevented from attempting a solo circumnavigation earlier this year by Dutch authorities.) Not to say that youth is wasted on the young, but there's definitely something to be said for the perspective and maturity that comes with age when taking on a high-risk adventure.

Right now Jordan Romero, 13, is attempting Everest with his dad. If he's successful, should we expect to see 10 year old attempting the rooftop of the world? Is there such a thing as "too young" in adventure? What do you think?

We have to admit we are a little bit relieved by this decision. Even though their feats are remarkable, the prospect of even younger and younger kids taking to the open ocean, alone, made us very nervous.